Friday, February 2, 2018

For the past two months KPJAYI has taught students from different countries around the world. The shala is open eight hours in the morning, starting at 3:40am and we finish before 12pm. In the afternoon, I return for two more hours as we hold therapy and yoga classes as well as provide office time to students with personal questions. My days are busy, but my work is always a joy. It’s the thing I live for.

In our tradition, we believe yoga is learned over a long, consistent study of asana, pranayama and yoga philosophy and we encourage students to connect with the shala for their ongoing practice and yoga sadhana. I have dedicated my entire life to teaching students yoga the way it was taught to me by my guru, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, and our institute has grown into one of the world’s most preferred institutes for yoga studies. We are committed to our students and their education in yogic knowledge so that the transformational qualities of yoga can spread throughout the world. Regular practice of yoga can bring good health and a calm, steady mind to many.

We will continue to do our work so that our students and teachers have the support they need. Upon the death of my grandfather, Sri K. Pattabhi Jois, many of his students went their own way. They branched into their own paths and taught yoga the way they saw fit. Everyone has their own understanding of Guruji’s teachings and they teach according to their understanding. I don’t question them about their sadhana and dedication to yoga. I have no right to question them; in fact, I respect their dedication.

These students have grown and made their own recognition and reputation in the yoga world, of which I’m extremely happy. Regarding the removal of Certified/Authorized students from the teacher’s list, it is very important for the future growth of the institution to list teachers who have an ongoing relationship with the Shala and understand the Shala’s ethos.

KPJAYI has been open every year for the past ten years and has provided special courses for teachers on the list. It is a natural conclusion that teachers who have not connected with the shala for a very long time, and who have not been involved with the shala programs, do not utilize the KPJAYI platform anymore.

I’m sad to say that many teachers offer teacher trainings, which run contrary to KPJAYI’s method of learning. I have consistently stated and have tried to advise teachers not to offer these trainings. Yoga is to be learned as a daily practice over a long period of time with a consistent teacher. Short-term teacher trainings do not benefit the student’s understanding and experience of yoga. It is my sincere hope that KPJAYI teachers consider first the student, the seeker of yoga, and teach the method.

As we enter into a new era at KPJAYI, it’s time to encourage the younger generation of students and teachers with a fresh mind. I will always do what I believe is good for yoga, the institute, and for my students. Yoga is union. We should not seek division.

Any teacher who disagrees, respectfully or not, is welcomed to voluntarily request their name to be removed from the KPJAYI teacher list by sending an email to shala@kpjayi.org.